Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, formally endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the country’s new president on Sunday. Pezeshkian who won the election this month promised pragmatic foreign policy and domestic reforms aimed at easing repression. He is set to be sworn in on Tuesday, amid rising Middle East tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, the incoming president has no impact on this matter as all matters relating to Iran’s foreign and nuclear policies are controlled by the supreme leader.
Middle East Tensions and Iran’s Stance
In a live broadcast of the ceremony on television, Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s strong anti-Israel stance, labeling Israel as a “criminal gang” and praising Hamas for its resistance in Gaza. In light of escalating regional tensions, Iran issued a stern warning to Israel against any new ventures in Lebanon. This warning came after Israeli authorities blamed Hezbollah for a rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday, which resulted in 12 deaths. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack.
Pezeshkian’s Role and Limitations
While Pezeshkian’s victory has sparked hopes for a potential thaw in Iran’s strained relations with the West and progress in its nuclear negotiations, significant policy shifts are unlikely. The Supreme Leader retains control over all major state matters, including Iran’s foreign and nuclear policies. Additionally, the Revolutionary Guards, who answer directly to Khamenei, hold significant influence over regional policy.
Economic Challenges and Goals
Facing public discontent over economic hardships exacerbated by U.S. sanctions—reimposed after Washington abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal—Pezeshkian’s main economic priority will be to mitigate these sanctions. Khamenei emphasized the need for proactive and effective responses to global issues, with a focus on addressing domestic economic challenges.
Transition of Power
Pezeshkian is succeeding the hardline President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. As he prepares to take office, the direction of Iran’s domestic and foreign policies will remain under scrutiny.
